Bike Caps and Ferrules Review

For bike riders who love to maintain and work on their own bike, you know how little attention is paid to all the small parts of your bike. Every component on your bike has some kind of small nut, cap, ferrule, bolt and so on that helps that specific bike part function the way it’s supposed to. Your bike’s braking system has its number of tiny parts, including caps and ferrules for the cables and housings on your bike. Shimano or Sturmey may carry these smaller, vital parts.

Ferrules and caps come in different sizes and styles depending on the specific cable and housing being used. When you buy new brake lines of gear shifter lines, then the bike shop will generally give you a hand full of caps or ferrules that will work for you. You may also decide to buy a hardware kit for your bike at some time. These hardware kits as produced by Dia-compe or Sunlite, contain all the miscellaneous nuts, bolts, caps, ferrules, and other small parts that your bike needs. It’s a good idea to purchase one of these kits and have it handy whenever you work on your bike. Also, make sure when you do install ferrules or caps that you are careful with the sharp and often jagged cable ends. Your bike shop can also get you a crimp tool to put the ferrules on if need be. 

What It’s For

Ferrules or caps are used on each end of your bike brakes and shifters. They are usually nickel-plated brass in construction. They help keep the housing aligned with the stop they fit into at the end of the cable. Whenever you cut the ends of your cable, you always want to fit ferrules or caps over the ends. This will prevent the bike brake cables and housing from rubbing on the frame or becoming frayed, which can cause brake failure if the line is compromised. Some stops on certain bikes may be too small for a ferrule or end cap to fit into. In this situation, the cable and housing usually fit tight and snug up against the stop, so there is little chance of abrasion or friction from damaging the cable or housing. End caps are used at the end of the cable and housing where it meets the derailleur as well.

Major Manufacturers

Shimano, Nokon, Aztec.

Pricing

Prices on caps and ferrules ranges from free (see your bike mechanic) to about $22 for a jar of 500 units.